Bowen savours ‘redemption’ with Jonbon at Ascot

James Bowen seized upon the opportunity to right the record aboard Jonbon after being called up to take the mount in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at the eleventh hour.

Nicky Henderson’s second jockey had partnered the star chaser once before, getting the leg-up when the same race was relocated to Cheltenham in 2024, going down by a neck to outsider Elixir De Nutz on an uncomfortable afternoon for his rider.

Nico de Boinville is the horse’s usual pilot, but his injury troubles and the presence of Old Park Star at Haydock on the same afternoon coincided with the appointment during the week of Harry Cobden as owner JP McManus’ new retained rider – albeit officially from May – and so it was the latter who was set to take the ride at Ascot.

A fall from Neon Moon in an earlier race dramatically scuppered that plan, however, and during a spell of uncertainty as the medical team assessed the Cobden’s fitness, Bowen could be seen sat by the weighing scales in the McManus silks, waiting for the nod.

When the switch was confirmed, Bowen made sure there was no repeat of his last meeting with Jonbon, guiding him to a a brave three-length victory over the gallant Thistle Ask.

“I’m really grateful to Mr Henderson and Mr McManus for letting me ride him after the last time, hopefully I put things right anyway,” Bowen told ITV Racing.

“I was a bit excited, but I never really accepted I was riding him until Harry came out of the medical room.

“He was brilliant all the way around, he just loves touching the ball before he kicks it, but he was very good.

“It was a great feeling, I heard the roar turning in and I could feel the crowd – it’s brilliant.

“He travelled well for the first three-quarters of a mile, we went quick and up past Swinley Bottom I was flat out and they just kept quickening.

“I was able to go through the motions and he came home strong then.”

Reflecting on his last ride meeting with Jonbon, Bowen added: “I’ve never felt emotion like when I got beaten on him, I was on such a high after winning on Sir Gino and I felt I couldn’t do anything wrong.

“I was on cloud nine, but this sport is the biggest leveller. That’s the lowest I’ve ever been, but it is great to get redemption.

“He obviously wants it, he’s won so many Grade Ones and has such a will to win. When I landed at the back of the last I knew I was going to win unless something came flying home and there wasn’t much chance of that happening.”